West was suspended twice this month for conduct detrimental to the team. His first suspension lasted less than a day, but West was never reinstated after being suspended again Thursday morning.

Sources said the Mavs were concerned that West was negatively influencing younger players on the roster. There was a belief that West, an eight-year veteran who was a valuable role player for the Mavs last season, could not handle the frustration of having to settle for another one-year, veteran-minimum contract.

West’s release allows the Mavs to keep center Eddy Curry, who was claimed off waivers Thursday. With Chris Kaman dealing with a strained right calf that has sidelined him for two and a half weeks, Curry is likely to be in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s season opener against theLos Angeles Lakers.

The Mavs shopped 2010 first-round pick Dominique Jones but could not find any takers for the 24-year-old guard, league sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein.

’m SOoOooOoOoO excited!!! Loving having football and basketball at the same time!!! The NBA season kicks off tonight with a triple header. Who do you think will take it all?! You know I’m going for my HEAT no matter what!!! Check out who’s on tap to play — the schedule for the rest of the week

In the five 30-second spots, Griffin offers helpful suggestions to younger versions of himself as Kia’s UVO voice-activated infotainment system takes his futuristic Optima on a time-traveling musical journey through the mid-1990s and early-2000s. Griffin’s deadpan delivery and dry sense of humor shines in the first two commercials as he urges younger versions of himself to forget about playing football and spend more time practicing free throws in another spot.

The Lebron X is now available for your customizing wishes at www.NikeID.com. I just put a order in for two pair last week. Turnaround right now is about 30-36 days, and the price ranges from $240-290 depending on which package you choose. Below are a few samples of colors and combo’s available.

Jeremy Lin spoke with reporters with a big smile after Sundays open practice:

“I wasn’t as shocked, because I had heard about possibly happening. But, I was just like ‘I’m hoping that it happens’, I didn’t know, but I was like ‘I think it would be a great deal for us, it would help us’. When I found out last night…I was pretty excited”

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year joined his new team Sunday after he was traded to the Rockets from Oklahoma City late Saturday. The Thunder acquired guards Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb, two first-round picks and a second-round pick in the surprising deal. Oklahoma City also sent center Cole Aldrich and forwards Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward to Houston. Continue reading →